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2023-11-10

Rosoboronexport to Unveil Aircrew Survival System at Dubai Airshow

Rosoboronexport, a key player within the Rostec State Corporation, is set to debut a pioneering aircrew survival and self-defence system at the Dubai Airshow 2023. This newly revealed export product is tailored for aircrews that have either ejected from their aircraft or experienced emergency landings.

It has been meticulously developed in collaboration with Russian Aerospace Forces pilots and specialised equipment manufacturers, drawing upon invaluable insights gained from real combat operations. This advancement promises to redefine aircrew safety and protection.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, explained, “The survival of helicopter and fixed-wing aircrews in emergencies before the arrival of search-and-rescue units largely depends on the level of equipping them with the necessary life-support and self-defence items.

Rosoboronexport has studied the real experience of recent military conflicts and chosen the most optimal set of equipment and gear enabling the crews to survive and maintain combat capability in the most extreme conditions. At Dubai Airshow 2023, we are unveiling this unique product consisting of entirely Russian-made components that have been tested in combat conditions.”

Four Clusters
The aircrew survival and self-defence system offered by Rosoboronexport for foreign markets is thematically divided into four clusters: functional personal items, individual protection and survival equipment, communications and surveillance equipment, as well as self-defence weapons.

The initial cluster consists of combat trousers, shirt, and shoes designed to accommodate a temperature range from +50 to -50 °C, catering to various climatic conditions. Additionally, this cluster comprises a tactical pouch for a survival kit, a webgear featuring ammunition, life support, first aid kit pouches, and a holster for a Lebedev compact pistol.

Individual protection and survival gear encompass a plate carrier, featuring both ceramic and Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) armour plates, along with an upgraded ZSh-7 protective helmet. The survival kit, designed with insights from pilots’ real combat experiences, includes a first aid kit, dry ration, a fishing hook with line, a knife, and various essential tools.

For communication and surveillance, the system features an R-187 Azart software-defined radio with a headset, a PN-21K night vision monocular, and GEO-ONV1-01M night vision goggles tailored for helicopter piloting.

Portable Radio Station

The R-187-P1E portable radio station features an inbuilt Infrared (IR) port and Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface for PC connectivity.

It offers automatic relay and time division multiplex modes, with built-in packet switching for Azart system connectivity to data networks and civilian cellular radio networks. This feature proves valuable for Special Forces in urban missions, with software-integrated algorithms enabling self-organisation and self-recovery in network solutions.

PN-21K is a lightweight and versatile monocular with the ability to change lenses for 3x and 5x magnifications and increase visual range up to 500 metres.

This professional night vision device is designed to be handheld, head-mounted, helmet-mounted or weapons-mounted for comfortable use in most demanding nighttime applications. It is suited for surveillance at night under natural illumination and in the complete darkness with the switched-on infrared illuminator.

The helmet-mounted GEO-ONV1-01M night vision goggles are currently used by the crews of Mi and Ka helicopters. The GEO-ONV1 night vision goggles are designated not only for firing armaments but also for take-offs and landings on rough sites and for orienteering during night-time flights.

Self-defence Cluster

In the self-defence equipment cluster, Rosoboronexport, following guidance from Russian Aerospace Forces specialists, offers a choice between a 5.56mm Kalashnikov AK-19 shortened assault rifle, making its international debut, or a 9mm Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun equipped with a PKU-2 collimator sight. Additionally, a 9mm Lebedev PLK compact pistol is included.

The AK-19 shortened assault rifle is designed for the global market and comes in a more compact form.

The 9mm PPK-20 submachine gun, derived from the Vityaz-SN, distinguishes itself from its forerunner through its compact dimensions, reduced weight, available quick-detachable sound and flash suppressor, folding telescopic polymer buttstock, ergonomic pistol grip, and ambidextrous fire selector switch.

The main cartridge for this submachine gun is the 7N21 high-power armour-piercing round, but the PPK-20 can also use all types of 9x19 rounds. The use of a pistol round allowed use a simple and reliable blowback action.

Rosoboronexport says it is open to considering inquiries from foreign customers regarding the acquisition of the system presented. The company’s experts are prepared to discuss potential component substitutions from partner sources and offer practical guidance for real-world implementation.

The company’s product portfolio includes a wide range of military equipment, including aircraft, helicopters, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery, missiles, naval ships, and small arms.

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